Binding for retaining a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A binding to retain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a snowboard, ski, or roller skate. The binding includes a linkage that connects first and second flanges. The linkage includes a first band attached to the first flange, and a tightening device attached to the second flange. An abutment of the binding is fixed to the first band toward a free end of the band, so as to be located on the other side of the tightening device with respect to a fastening end of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and of the tightening device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of bindings adapted toretain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a ski, asnowboard, a roller skate, or the like.

[0003] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Information

[0004] Generally speaking, when a user wears flexible boots to operatethe apparatus, whether it be a ski, snowboard, or roller skate, e.g.each boot is retained by a binding provided with one or more linkages,such as one or more straps with buckles.

[0005] To be able to put on or remove the boot, i.e., to affix the bootto the binding, or to remove it therefrom, each linkage can be opened orclosed. Moreover, the length of the linkage can be adjusted.

[0006] In general, a linkage includes two bands each attached on arespective side of the binding, as well as a device for tightening thelinkage. A manual action on a button, buckle, lever or other member ofthe device enables the linkage to be opened.

[0007] Closing the linkage requires the user to adjust the position of aband with respect to the tightening device, then to introduce the bandinto the device, and then to reduce the length of the linkage, inparticular by means of a lever for driving the band located on thedevice. To do this, the user generally needs to bend his/her body andlower limbs, and to use both hands.

[0008] Therefore, closing the linkage can be an arduous task and a wasteof time for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention in particular is to make iteasier and quicker to fit a binding provided with linkages.

[0010] To this end, a binding adapted to retain a boot on a gliding orrolling apparatus, according to the invention, includes a first lateralflange, a second lateral flange, and at least one linkage connecting thefirst flange to the second flange, the linkage including a first bandthat extends from one fastening end to one free end, the fastening endbeing attached to the first flange, the linkage further including atightening device attached to the second flange, the tightening devicemaking it possible to adjust the length of the linkage by retaining aportion of the first band in a removable fashion.

[0011] An abutment of the binding according to the invention is fixed tothe first band toward the free end of the band, so as to be located onthe other side of the tightening device with respect to the fasteningend of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and ofthe tightening device.

[0012] As a result, the user does not have to adjust the position of theband with respect to the tightening device, then to introduce the bandinto the device. He/She must only adjust the length of the linkage,which can be done with only one hand.

[0013] Advantageously, the result is that closing the linkage is easyand quick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will bebetter understood from the description that follows, with reference tothe annexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting examples, how theinvention can be embodied, and in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a binding, in a case where a bootis retained, according to a first example of embodiment of theinvention;

[0016]FIG. 2 schematically shows a view of a linkage of the binding, ina case where the length of the linkage is reduced;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2, in a case where the length of thelinkage is substantial;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1, in a case where the boot isnot retained;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a partial view of the first band of a linkage of thebinding, according to a second example of embodiment of the invention;and

[0021]FIG. 7 is a partial view of the first band of a linkage of thebinding, according to a third example of embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The examples described hereinafter correspond to an applicationin the field of snowboards.

[0023] According to the first example, as seen in FIG. 1, a binding 1retains a boot 2 on a board 3.

[0024] In a known manner, the binding 1 includes a base 4 on which afirst lateral flange 5 and a second lateral flange 6 are attached, theflanges 5, 6 being connected by a arch 7.

[0025] The base 4 extends, along a longitudinal direction L of thebinding 1, between a front end 8 and a rear end 9 of the base.

[0026] Affixing the binding 1 to the board 3 is done by a means shown inthe form of a disc 10.

[0027] A rear support element 11, provided to retain the rear of theuser's lower leg, is attached on the binding 1, for example, by means ofa journal axis 12 on the flanges 5, 6.

[0028] The binding 1 also includes a front linkage 13 and a rear linkage14, each shown in a position for retaining the boot 2 in FIG. 1.

[0029] For reasons of convenience and for facilitating an understandingof the invention, only one of the linkages is described hereinafter inmore detail.

[0030] For example, the front linkage 13 includes in particular a firstband 15, a second band 16, and a tightening device 17 making it possibleto adjust the length of the linkage.

[0031] The first band 15 is attached to the first flange 5, by a meansshown in the form of a journal axis 18. By analogy, the second band 16is attached to the second flange 6, by a means shown in the form of ajournal member positioned along axis 19.

[0032] The connection of the first band 15 to the second band 16 is doneby a tightening device 17 which, to this end, includes in particular adrive lever 20 and a button 21 for releasing the first band 15.

[0033] As the tightening device 17 is fired to the second band 16, byany suitable means, the lever 20 and button 21 make it possible toadjust the length of the linkage 13 by displacing one band with respectto the other.

[0034] The structure and functioning of the linkages are explainedhereinafter in more detail by means of FIGS. 2-4.

[0035] The front linkage 13 is schematically shown in FIG. 2, in a topview, in a case where its length is reduced. This means that the first15 and second 16 bands are superimposed over a substantial distance.

[0036] The first band 15 extends between a fastening end 22 and a freeend 23. An opening 24, provided in the fastening end 22, enables thepassage of a fastening means, such as a rivet, to provide the journalmember at axis 18.

[0037] By analogy, the second band 16 extends between a fastening end 25and a free end 26. An opening 27, provided in the fastening end 25,enables the passage of a fastening means, such as a rivet, to providethe journal member at axis 19.

[0038]FIG. 3 discloses the internal structure of the linkage 13.

[0039] The first band 15 is obtained in the form of a rack, whose teeth28 and core 29 preferably form a unitary piece.

[0040] The tightening device 17 has a passage 30 for guiding the band15. The passage 30 is formed in particular by two wings 31, 32 connectedby a bridge 33. A pawl 34 is journalled between the wings along an axis35. The pawl 34 has a retaining end 36 provided to oppose a lengtheningof the linkage 13, and an end forming the release button 21. The end 36is constantly biased toward the bridge 33 by an elastic means, notshown, such as a spring.

[0041] The drive lever 20 is journalled between the wings 31, 32 alongan axis 37. It has at least one tooth 38 for driving the first band 15in a shortening direction of the linkage 13.

[0042] An elastic member or mechanism (not shown for sake ofsimplicity), such as a spring, constantly biases the lever 20 such thatthe teeth 38 move away from the bridge 33.

[0043] The tightening device 17 is fixed to the second band 16, forexample, by means of a rivet having an axis 39.

[0044] According to the invention, an abutment 40 is fixed to the firstband 15, so as to enable an extension of the linkage to a maximumlength, and to prevent a separation of the first band 15 and of thetightening device 17.

[0045] Preferably, the abutment 40 is fixed to the free end 23 of theband 15, for example, by a nesting of the band 15 in a cutout 41 of theabutment 40, combined to a retaining element shown in the form of arivet 42 that extends through the band 15 and the cutout 41.

[0046] Complementarily, the abutment 40 is guided along the second band16, by a guide shown in the form of a screw 43 which extends through alongitudinal slot 44 of the second band 16.

[0047] The screw 43 is screwed into the abutment 40. The screw 43 has ahead whose diameter is greater than the width of the slot 44.

[0048] As a result, the two bands of a same linkage slide parallel toone another when the linkage is extended or shortened.

[0049] When the linkage has a maximum length, as is the case in FIG. 4,the abutment 40 is in support on the wings 31, 32, of the tighteningdevice 17.

[0050] Indeed, the abutment 40 cannot pass in the passage 30, becauseits width is greater than the distance that separates the wings 31, 32.As a result, the bands cannot separate.

[0051] When the user wishes to shorten the linkage, he/she only needs,for example, to act on the drive lever 20.

[0052] This structure of the linkage enables the user to remove theboot, as explained in FIG. 5.

[0053] Each of the linkages 13, 14 is lengthened by a manual action fromthe user, so as to leave a space between the boot and the linkage. Wheneach space is large enough, the boot can be removed from the binding.Given that the straps of the linkages are journalled on the flanges 5, 6of the binding 1, it is possible to tilt the linkages 13, 14 toward thefront of the binding. In the case of the front linkage 13, the tiltingis done rotationally along the axes 18, 19. After tilting, the linkagesare contained substantially in a plane parallel to the base 4.

[0054] Advantageously, the result is that the operations of putting onor removing the boot are made easier, because nothing hinders adisplacement of the boot to fit into or come out of the binding.

[0055] Preferably, the length of each of the front 13 and rear 14linkages is such that when it is tilted toward the front of the binding1, it goes around the front end of the boot 2, if the latter is inposition on the base 4 and in contact with the arch 7.

[0056] For example, the front linkage 13 can have a maximum lengthbetween about 25 centimeters and 50 centimeters, and the rear linkage 14can have a maximum length between about 45 centimeters and 85centimeters.

[0057] These lengths enable the linkages to go around the boot in theplane of the sole. As a result, the linkages do not create any hindrancewhen the boot is put on or removed.

[0058] The other examples of embodiment of the invention are presentedhereinafter.

[0059] For reasons of convenience, only the differences with respect tothe first example will be shown.

[0060] According to the second example, as seen in FIG. 6, an abutment60 is fixed to the first band 61 of a linkage toward the free end 62 ofthe band 61. The abutment 60 and the first band 61 are shown in the formof a unitary piece. The binding of the abutment 60 to the band 61 is abroad expression meaning that the abutment and the band are affixed toone another.

[0061] The abutment 60 projects with respect to a surface 63 of theband. The abutment 60 is shown in the form of a wedge whose surface 64,substantially perpendicular to the surface 63, is turned toward the rack65 of the band 61. The surface 64 takes support on the pawl to avoid anopening of the linkage, because the surface 64 is higher than the teethof the rack 65.

[0062] The band 61 preferably has a longitudinal slot 66.

[0063] According to the third example, as seen in FIG. 7, an abutment 70is fixed to the first band 71 of a linkage toward the free end 72 of theband 71. The abutment 70 and the first band 71 are shown in the form ofa unitary piece.

[0064] The abutment 70 is shaped like an arrow head, which includes twolateral teeth 73, 74 separated at least partially by a slot 75.

[0065] The teeth 73, 74 prevent an opening of the linkage by takingsupport on the wings of the tightening device.

[0066] The slot 75 enables the teeth 73, 74 to come close together,under the action of an external force, for the mounting or dismountingof the linkage. A hole 76, at the end of the slot 75, prevents theappearance of incipient fractures in the first band 71.

[0067] The band 71 preferably has a longitudinal slot 77.

[0068] The invention is not limited to the examples describedhereinabove, and it includes all of the technical equivalents that fallwithin the scope of the claims that follow.

[0069] In particular, the abutment 40 could be obtained in a differentmanner. As seen in FIG. 5 in the case of the rear linkage 14, theabutment is obtained in the form of a guide 45 fixed to the free end 46of a first band 47. The guide is large enough to play its role of anabutment; but at the same time, it enables the guiding of the free endalong a second band 48 of the rear linkage 14. In this case, the secondband 48 has a continuous width.

[0070] The device for tightening the first band could have a differentstructure. Supplemental layers can be added to the linkage, inparticular to ensure functions of protection and ease of use.

[0071] Furthermore, a linkage could include only one band and onetightening device. In this case, the tightening device is attacheddirectly to a flange of the binding.

[0072] Conversely, a linkage could include more than two bands.

[0073] Still, the binding may not include the base, the flanges being inthis case directly affixed to the board.

[0074] Finally, although the examples have been described for anapplication in the field of snowboards, the binding according to theinvention can be used in other fields such as skis, snowshoes, or thelike.

[0075] The instant application is based upon French Patent ApplicationNo. 00 05262, filed Apr. 18, 2000, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority ofwhich is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

What is claimed is:
 1. A binding to retain a boot on a gliding orrolling apparatus, said binding comprising; a first lateral flange, asecond lateral flange transversely spaced from said first lateralflange, and at least one linkage connecting said first flange to saidsecond flange; said linkage including a first band extending from onefastening end to a free end, said fastening end being attached to saidfirst flange, said linkage further including a tightening deviceattached to said second flange, said tightening device facilitating anadjustment of a length of said linkage by removably retaining a portionof said first band; an abutment being fixed to said first band towardsaid free end of said band, so as to be located on an opposite side ofthe tightening device with respect to said fastening end of said firstband, thus preventing a separation of said first band and saidtightening device.
 2. A binding according to claim 1, wherein saidlinkage includes a second band attached to said second lateral flange,said tightening device being fixed to said second band.
 3. A bindingaccording to claim 1, further including a base, said flanges beingattached to said base.
 4. A binding according to claim 2, furtherincluding a base, said flanges being attached to said base.
 5. A bindingaccording to claim 1, wherein said tightening device has a passage forguiding said first band, said abutment being wider than said passage. 6.A binding according to claim 2, wherein said tightening device has apassage for guiding said first band, said abutment being wider than saidpassage.
 7. A binding according to claim 3, wherein said tighteningdevice has a passage for guiding said first band, said abutment beingwider than said passage.
 8. A binding according to claim 4, wherein saidtightening device has a passage for guiding said first band, saidabutment being wider than said passage.
 9. A binding according to claim1, wherein said fasteners of each linkage are journals.
 10. A bindingaccording to claim 2, wherein one guide guides said abutment along saidsecond band.
 11. A binding according to claim 3, wherein one guideguides said abutment along said second band.
 12. A binding according toclaim 5, wherein one guide guides said abutment along said second band.13. A binding according to claim 9, wherein one guide guides saidabutment along said second band.